Brazilian GP race: BMW WilliamsF1 Team

Brazilian Grand Prix - RACE Sao Paulo, 1st April 2001

Weather: Average air temperature 26°C. Average track temperature 29°C. Humidity 60%. Rain from about half distance on.

Although having lead for 36 laps with Juan Pablo Montoya the BMW WilliamsF1 Team ended up with no points at the Brazilian Grand Prix as both the drivers were involved blamelessly in accidents.

Juan Pablo Montoya Position: DNF (accident on lap 38) Chassis: FW23 02 Best Time: 1:16.593 on lap 31 (4th) "I am disappointed, of course, as it was going to be one of the best days of my life and it turned unluckily into a bad one! I don't know what happened, but I think Verstappen hit me because he braked too late, just a few meters later than me, so we touched. I went for the inside of the track and braked in the same place as always, on that corner. The car was really fast and had been performing very well throughout the weekend. WilliamsF1, BMW and Michelin did a fantastic job. Better things will come."

Ralf Schumacher Position: DNF (spun on lap 55) Chassis: FW23 03 Best Time: 1:15.693 on lap 38 (1st) "At the start the engine revs fell and I don't know why. Then my car was hit from behind by Barrichello. Obviously this has to be sorted out by the Stewards and I hope they will take action as this has to stop in my opinion. Today we proved that we have a really good car and we are going to be able to win a race. Unfortunately it didn't happen but I am sure it will happen in the near future."

Patrick Head (WilliamsF1 Technical Director) "Very disappointing result after a strong practice and a very strong showing in the race. We were on a strategy that, as was quite clear to see from the race, required only one pit stop and we started with quite a lot of fuel onboard the car. Tyres were very good, balance of the car stayed in and I think Juan Pablo was well in control of the race but unfortunately he got hit from behind as did Ralf much earlier in the race. I think it's well known in any situation on the road that the responsibility is with the driver behind. If he runs into the car in front he pays for the damage of both cars. It's a well-known situation and I don't think there's anything to discuss about it. We know we've got to get out and do a good job at Imola."

Frank Williams "It was an exciting and encouraging day for everybody's hard work. We are looking forward to proving ourselves. Today we showed an outstanding display of driving by both our drivers."

Gerhard Berger (BMW Motorsport Director) "With Ralf starting second and Juan's long lead, we were expecting another end to this race. It is very disappointing. For both the accidents our drivers were completely blameless. It was a pleasure to see how Juan passed Michael Schumacher and after that was leading. We hope to fight for podium finishes more often this season. McLaren-Mercedes has shown that the Championship is far from being decided for Michael Schumacher."

TEST: Magny-Cours: Tuesday 3rd of April Marc Gené only. Wednesday 4th and Thursday 5th Juan Pablo Montoya and Marc Gené.

BMW Motorsport Press: Guido Stalmann tel: +49(0) 170 5666 112 guido.stalmann@bmw.de

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